Trabzonspor: John Obi Mikel warns Mohamed Salah about the expectations of the supporters.

Former Trabzonspor midfielder John Obi Mikel has given some advice to Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian forward’s arrival at the Turkish club. The former Nigerian international believes that the star will receive exceptional support from the fans, while also warning him about their high demands. Salah joined Trabzonspor as a free agent after terminating his contract with Liverpool at the end of the season. His arrival has generated immense excitement in Turkey, with several thousand fans present at the airport to welcome the Egyptian international.

In an interview with the Turkish daily Sabah, Mikel emphasized the fervor surrounding the club and the scale of the welcome for Salah. “Salah has his reasons for coming here. Is it for football or for financial reasons? If it were just about the money, Saudi Arabia would certainly be a better option,” said the former Chelsea player. “Trabzonspor is a great club, and its fans are passionate about football. It’s a city where football is central,” he added.

“They will love you if you win”

Mikel also described the atmosphere that traditionally accompanies new signings at the club. “At Trabzonspor, as soon as a transfer is confirmed, the fans go to the airport to welcome the player, whoever it may be. But this time, it was different. Thousands of people came for Mo Salah. It was absolutely incredible,” he recounted. The former midfielder also discussed the immediate impact of the Egyptian’s arrival. “I believe the stadium was full for his announcement. It was amazing. The club’s social media presence also exploded,” he emphasized.

While predicting a warm welcome for Salah, Mikel did warn him: at Trabzonspor, the love from the fans is closely tied to performance on the field. “The people of the city will idolize you if you play well and win matches. But they can also turn against you very quickly, no matter who you are or where you come from,” the Nigerian warned. Nonetheless, Mikel remains optimistic about Salah and his family’s adjustment. “I hope everything goes well for him and his family, that they feel good and enjoy the city. One thing is certain: if he continues to play well for this city, it will adore him,” he concluded.